Nancy “Nannie” Bosworth was born 21 November 1835, as calculated from her tombstone. She was one of twelve children born to Dr. Jacob and Nancy (Westlake) Bosworth. Her father was born in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, and moved to Gallipolis, Ohio, where he and Nancy Westlake were married 17 February 1820. [1] The 1850-70 census enumerations indicate that Nancy was born in Indiana, so the Bosworth family had moved to Jay County by that time.

Nannie Bosworth married John W. Headington on 9 May 1858 in Jay County, Indiana. [2] John and Nannie had four children: Austin B., Alice (married J.H. Roll), Harry N. (died at age 22), Mary G. (wife of A.A. Richardson). [3]

2 comments

Notice that this tombstone is covered in algae or moss. It would appear that someone cleaned the area with the writing for get a better view. Given the proviso that you have written about cleaning these stones, could there not be a clear negative to “not cleaning” the face of the stone, ie the acids, chelating agents and other metabolic by-products of these living organisms are very likely taking a toll on the surface if allowed to remain. Which is worse, weathering of exposed surface or digestion by plant metabolism?

Hello! I did clean the inscribed area with plain water and a soft nylon brush so I could read and photograph it. It is a fairly smooth stone with no chipping or roughness. Moss and algae can contribute to the deterioration of a stone and cleaning it off in a safe manner can make it last longer. Moss, algae an lichen may be acidic, trap moisture and the roots can grow into the pores of the stone. There is also the belief that it is best to not remove moss, algae and lichen because it may open up the pores of the stone and lead to quicker deterioration. It is difficult to know what to do. Either way you look at it, it is best not to clean a stone if it is cracked or flaking or heavily pitted. Karen

Karen Miller Bennett, CG

Greetings from the Chattanooga, Ohio, area. "Chatt" is a small village in west-central Ohio and I grew up near there. I am a Board-certified genealogist, registrar of the Lima Chapter NSDAR, and a past trustee, officer, and committee chair of The Ohio Genealogical Society. My main interests are cemetery research, German research, lineage societies, technology, and the west-central Ohio and east-central Indiana areas. I am also a Registered Dental Hygienist. Look for a variety of blog subjects, from genealogy to my other interests of music, reading, bird watching, gardening, and dentistry.